CIRCUIT 2 ISLANDS - Pure Hiking
A full-scale trek in Cap-Vert among volcanoes, lush valleys, suspended villages and authentic encounters.
Duration
8 days
From
€720/pers.
The spirit of travel
Embark on an exceptional 8-day trek to discover the wild and authentic landscapes of Cap-Vert.
Explore São Vicente, between musical culture, extinct volcanoes and ocean panoramas. Then head to Santo Antão, a true hikers' paradise, with its lush valleys, its suspended villages and its ancestral trails.
Travel along the mythical Corda road, the valleys of Ribeira de Torre and Paul, as well as the spectacular coasts from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha.
Between waterfalls, tropical plantations and terraced crops, experience an immersion in the heart of Cap-Vert nature. Enjoy local encounters, traditional meals and unique landscapes.
An ideal trip for hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers and those seeking authenticity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Mindelo, cultural capital
Arrival on the island of São Vicente and discovery of The City of Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cap-Vert.
Dominated by Monte Verde, this vibrant city captivates with its cafés, bars and restaurants, its rich musical heritage and the traditional melodies that echo through its streets, birthplace of the famous Cesária Évora, the "barefoot diva".
Between colorful colonial houses lining Porto Grande port and steep volcanic mountains, Mindelo unveils its treasures: the fresh fish market, the Fortim d'El Rei perched on a hill offering views over the port and the replica of the Torre de Belém of Mindelo in Lisbon.
After your transfer to the hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant to the sound of Cape Verdean mornas, between music, culture and traditions.
Located on a side avenue in Mindelo, the Ouril Hotel Mindelo offers 107 rooms with stunning views of Porto Grande bay from their balcony. Each room is equipped with a television, safe, air conditioning and Wi-Fi connection. During their stay, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the pleasant restaurant. The Ouril Hotel Mindelo also offers additional facilities to make your stay more comfortable and pleasant, such as a conference room, jacuzzi, fitness room, spa, bar-lounge, swimming pool and laundry service. Whether guests wish to relax, unwind or be more active, the Ouril Hotel Mindelo has something to offer everyone.
Calhau Volcano Trek, between lava and ocean
Departure from Mindelo towards Praia Grande, starting point for this hiking expedition to discover wild São Vicente.
You reach the volcanic coastline of the island to begin the trek around the crater of the extinct volcano of Calhau.
Set off on a sports hike around the crater of the Calhau volcano, hugging the coast over basaltic rock terrain shaped by ancient lava flows.
The route follows the northern slope of the volcano via unstable stone paths and areas of sparse vegetation, before making a complete circuit of the crater.
You will enjoy exceptional panoramic views over the ocean and the volcanic formations of São Vicente. The route includes some easy climbing sections on basaltic rock, areas exposed to wind and sun as well as crossing ancient lava flows.
Stops are planned to observe the geology of the site, take photographs and possibly explore small volcanic caves.
The hike ends with a descent towards Calhau, where you will enjoy a typical lunch before continuing your adventure.
Distance: approximately 14 km round trip
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Level 3 (difficult)
Total elevation gain: 600 m
After lunch, return on foot along the coast to Baía Das Gatas.
This section of the route offers magnificent marine and volcanic landscapes, but the difficulty increases due to the rugged terrain, exposure to bad weather and natural coastal conditions.
From Baía das Gatas, famous for its music festival and natural swimming pool, return by vehicle to Mindelo City after this sports day in the heart of São Vicente's wild landscapes.
Santo Antão, the Corda Road and Ribeira de Torre
After crossing to Santo Antao Island, discover one of the most beautiful islands of Cap-Vert, renowned for its spectacular landscapes, its lush valleys, its steep mountains, its sheer cliffs, its pine forests and its exceptional flora.
A true paradise for hikers, the island reveals hidden villages, paved roads, secret beaches and preserved landscapes, up to the summit of the Topo de Coroa Volcano, the highest point at 1,979 meters.
Set off to discover the mythical Corda road, offering breathtaking panoramas at over 1,600 meters altitude, with photo stops to admire the island's reliefs.
An easy short hike of approximately one hour around the Cova Crater is possible before continuing in the natural park to the Ribeira de Torre valley, famous for its banana plantations and lush landscapes.
In the afternoon, reach Corda, the starting point for a hike through terraced cultivation. The path descends through the fields to the authentic village of Coculi, known for housing the church with the largest bell on the island.
After this immersion between nature and local traditions, share a typical meal in a traditional restaurant, where Cap-Vert colors and flavors will be on the menu.
Corda/Coculi hiking distance: 4.5 km
Duration: approximately 3 hours – level 1
Descent: 743 m
Located in Ponta do Sol, Tiduca Hotel features a fitness center, a bar, a common lounge and free Wi-Fi. It has a 24-hour reception, a restaurant and a terrace. The establishment offers room service and luggage storage. All rooms feature a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and some accommodations at Tiduca Hotel have a terrace. A continental breakfast is served every morning on site. This establishment has also been highly rated for its excellent location in Ponta do Sol! Guests are happier about it compared to other establishments in the area.
From Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha, a spectacular coastline
Departing from Ponta do Sol, take a pleasant coastal trail offering magnificent panoramas over the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs of Santo Antao Island.
This walk, ideal for beginners, leads to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, famous for its colorful houses clinging to the mountainside, which earned it the nickname of « suspended village ».
From Fontainhas, the return to Ponta do Sol allows you to enjoy once again the spectacular landscapes of the north coast of Santo Antão.
For hikers wishing to extend the adventure, it is possible to continue on the famous coastal trail towards Cruzinha (13 km – 5 to 6 h – level 2), which:
Crosses the Fontainhas plantations,
Offers a panorama of Ponta do Sol and Corvos from Selada de Corvo.
The trek also passes through Ribeira and its permanent springs, the village of Formiguinhas, the abandoned village of Aranhas, the Ribeira Seca beach with its black and white sands and its lava caves, then the Motcho beach before reaching the picturesque village of Cruzinha (elevation gain: +1,078 m / -1,014 m).
Paul's Valley and Janela Village
Discover the « garden of Cap-Vert », in the heart of the lush Paul valley, renowned as the greenest in the archipelago.
Accompanied by your local guide, walk from cottage to cottage through vegetable crops (cabbage, tomatoes, salads) and tropical plantations of banana trees, guava trees, sugar cane and yams.
You will take the old mule paths laid out along the levadas (irrigation channels) and terraced crops.
This hike is a great opportunity to discover rural life, local agriculture, botany and to meet the inhabitants.
Along the way, visit a trapiche traditional (rum distillery) with rum and liqueur tasting, before heading to the peaceful village of Janela, whose activity is mainly focused on agriculture.
Fontainhas and the natural treasures of Ribeira Grande
Dedicate this day to discovering the most iconic landscapes of Santo Antão.
Between the magnificent ribeiras (streams) of Ribeira Grande, the authentic villages of Ponta do Sol and Coculi, this excursion immerses you in the heart of unspoiled nature.
A pleasant two-hour walk takes you to Fontainhas, elected the second most beautiful village in the world by National Geographic, famous for its colorful houses clinging to the mountainside.
Discoveries, nature and stunning views punctuate this day rich in landscapes and emotions.
Hike to Cascata da Vinha
Before your ferry return to Mindelo, set off on a pleasant hike to the Cascata da Vinha, also called Vine Waterfall, departing from Xôxô.
The trail climbs up a lush valley following ancient paths and irrigation channels, through dense vegetation and plantations of sugar cane, yams, coffee plants, banana trees, papaya and mango trees.
At the heart of this mountain setting reveals itself an impressive waterfall over 250 meters high, whose natural pool offers a refreshing break after the effort. Remember to bring water, some snacks and a swimsuit.
A picnic in the great outdoors completes this immersion before returning to the port to board the ferry heading to Mindelo City.
Hiking distance: 5 km –
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Level 1
Elevation gain: +818 m / -818 m.
End of the Cape Verde adventure
End of our discovery journey through the history, culture and nature of Cap-Vert.
Transfer to Nelson Mandela International Airport.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Airport tax (34 €/person)
- Personal expenses
- All meals not indicated in the program
Included
- All transfers
- 4-star hotel in double room
- All discovery tours/hikes mentioned in the program
- Water for excursions
- All meals mentioned in the program
- Tax stay 2.5 €/night/person
- Assistance/English-speaking guide
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Cape Verde for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cape Verde, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Cape Verde.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory, renewable once in-country with Cape Verdean immigration services, up to a limit of 90 days per year.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking for the duration of your stay.
EASE (Electronic pre-registration)
Before your arrival in Cape Verde, you must complete the online registration form EASE (Electronic Authorization for Sustainable Entry), established by Cape Verdean authorities.
This digital form allows you to transmit to immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Cape Verde
personal contact details and health declaration
The form must be completed online before your departure. A digital confirmation or QR code will be issued to you and may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health
No vaccines are officially required to enter Cape Verde from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations and consult a doctor or travel clinic before departure.
Vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for departure from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Cape Verde in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Cape Verde, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. An airport security tax (AST, €31) is mandatory and must be paid online before departure. The specific conditions for visa-free entry depend on your nationality; we recommend checking with the Cape Verde consular authorities the rules applicable to your country before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 150 and 240 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, inter-island transfers and activities. International flights (500-800 euros return) are additional. The TSA (31 euros per person) is added upon entry.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together, you fine-tune every detail until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Cap-vert
Cape Verde Escape Creator, based in Mindelo, São Vicente
Cape Verde is an archipelago of character. Each island has its own rhythm, its light, its energy; my role is to help everyone find the one that suits them.
— Théo
